There was an outbreak of “common sense” at Cumberland Council when plans were approved for a new takeaway in the Carlisle area – which had been recommended for refusal.
Members of the council’s planning committee met at Allerdale House in Workington to consider the application for a site on land, south of Purdoms Crook in Sandysike, just north of Westlinton near Carlisle.
Marc Gardner, who runs the nearby Gardner’s Guns shooting range, had applied to place a wheeled single box trailer as the Little Betty’s takeaway in a layby off the A7.
However, a previous application had been refused and when Mr Gardner appealed against the decision, it was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.
The latest application contained improved screening measures but members were told that while concerns over the visual impact of the proposal had been addressed, it was still recommended for refusal because of a lack of justification for the outlet.
But business manager Helen Fradley told members that the business had been thriving over the past 12 months.
Local resident Michael Whitehead said he was one of more than 50 members of the public who had chosen to leave positive comments in support of the proposal.
Councillor Gordon Routledge, the vice chairman of Arthuret Parish Council, said there were significant improvements in the plans and there were several other businesses nearby. He added: “There is a great deal of support in the area.”
Mr Gardner said the business had been trading over the past 12 months and, during that time, they had taken a total of more than £50,000 – he said previously the council had granted a street trader’s licence for the same location.
Councillor John Mallinson (Houghton and Irthington, Conservative) said he knew the site very well and disagreed with the lack of justification assessment. He added: “There always seemed to be a demand for it.”
He said there seemed to be a real groundswell of public support for the business and added: “I think I’d be inclined to give this a chance.”
Councillor Andrew Semple (Cockermouth South, Labour) said he always listened to the views of parish councils and that he would support the application.
Councillor Bob Kelly (Millom, Independent) observed that it was supported by members of the local community and councillor Chris Southward (Denton Holme, Labour) said he wanted the business to continue.
Councillor Jimmy Grisdale (Seaton, Labour) said there were no objections from either the police or the Environment Agency and he was happy to support it.
However, Councillor Roger Dobson (Corby and Hayton, Lib Dems) said he had a number of concerns and he could not go against the officer’s recommendation for refusal.
When the matter was put to the vote eight members were in favour of granting planning permission with just one member against it.
After the decision Mr Gardner said he was relieved and added: “I am absolutely pleased that there’s been common sense, you know, the fact that the council said there was no need for this was ridiculous when the amount of evidence was already there.”
